Interview with Teresa Nelson, triathlete, coach and owner/founder of TN Multisports

Teresa Nelson

Teresa Nelson is a USA Triathlon certified coach and owner/founder of TN Multisports, a Seattle-based triathlon training and coaching company. The Port Orchard native attended the University of Nevada, Reno, where she swam on a collegiate scholarship and received a degree in Fitness Management. In 2008, Teresa completed her first Ironman in Coeur d’Alene, ID, where she finished 3^rd in her division, qualifying her for a coveted spot in the Ironman Triathlon World Championships, in Kona, Hawaii. The 32-year-old also works as the aquatic director of the Seattle Athletic Club - Downtown.

How did you get into triathlon?

I decided to try a triathlon because some co-workers claimed that I might have fun at the sport. I had dabbled in running and never ridden a real [triathlon] bike. I figured I had the swimming part down - it was the sports that followed that I knew nothing about.

I borrowed a friend’s bike, got on a bike trainer two days before the race to learn to switch gears, fell over in the cleats and went on to complete the Danskin [Women’s Triathlon] in 2001. Little did I know that one experience would make such an impact on my life by defining my career and my true passion, along with establishing some of my greatest friendships.

It also inspired my mother to participate in the sport, and every year we race at Danskin. After eight years of racing I continue to love triathlon more and more.

What is it about triathlon that appeals to you?

From a fitness standpoint, I love the cross training. It is fun to mix things up and not get stuck in the same routine. Every day is different - a balancing act of getting stronger in each disciple without overdoing it. I love, too, that when it comes to racing you can always find ways to improve, whether it is a transition time, a quicker run, or [fixing] a flat tire - so much happens out there on the course and you never know what is going to be thrown at you.

I also love training with my friends. I would not be where I am today without training buddies. I enjoy going to new places and spending time training with them, [but] they seem to change each year - they must get sick of me!

What is your most memorable triathlon moment?

Finishing Ironman Coeur d’Alene. I never have felt so great crossing a finish line. I had my goals set on [qualifying for] Kona but had many setbacks throughout the year. I have ulcerative colitis and had major flares that prevented me from running much at all, then I had a torn muscle in my leg that caused some trouble, too. I had trained so hard and really wanted to achieve my goals, with the main goal being to finish. No one knew what to expect that day, and I was scared not knowing how my body would deal with my medical issues and pushing my body so far. It only took around 8-10 bathroom trips to deal with the colitis (maybe that was TMI).

I was also worried about what others would think if I didn’t finish or qualify for Kona. That was a huge learning experience for me because I often forget that I do this for myself and no one else. I had to put all that aside and remind myself that whatever happened I truly did my best - that is what made this experience so exciting to me. I have never in my life felt so great about crossing a finish line (and, yes, I made it to Kona!).

What is the idea behind TN Multisports?

When I first started triathlon I was lost. I did spin classes, rode the Burke Gilman [trail] and was scared to swim in open water. I spent more time just figuring out how to get from point A to point B than actually training. I didn’t understand how to put [the training elements] together. And the nutrition component - holy smoke, I had a lot to learn!

I wanted [to create] a place that gave triathletes (both newbies and elites) the opportunity to ask any question, to learn from others and have access to coaches, receive training courses, do course previews and generally have a place to train. I also wanted a place for people to be able to connect with fellow triathletes in all disciples and exchange stories - a place where people could truly learn from one another and a place for people to excel.

After years of coaching elsewhere, I really wanted to build my own team that focused on regular consistent group workouts for athletes. The regularity and coaching [elements] were missing. TM Multisports now offers 2-4 group workouts a week for our tri team members. I think it is very important to see your athletes train on a consistent basis and it is fun to see everyone working together and getting excited when they have a breakthrough training or race day. The friendships are amazing!

How is TN Multisports doing as a business?

TN Multisports has exceeded my expectations in the first four months. We have 75 members - I was very lucky to have a great group of athletes to help get the business going and word of mouth has been huge. I am very thankful for all the help and support the business has gotten through our sponsors (Road Runner Sports, Discovery Wellness Center, Gravity Payments and Grid Networks) and athletes that have been with me over the years.

The athletes are great about asking questions, attending workouts and generally being on the ball. When you work with people that want to succeed, it makes everything much easier. The team makes this business fun for me. I love that we range between sub 6-minute milers to walkers - it doesn’t matter, everyone truly supports one another.

Have there been any surprises for you in running the business?

Surprises - of course! [We were] painting the TN Multisports facility and knocked over an entire can of paint on the black floor - that is something I don’t deal with often, but next time I know what to do. Someone forgetting his or her bike helmet or my phone going off in the middle of the night is not surprisingly anymore. I just try to stay as organized as possible and deal with what gets thrown at me, kind of like open water swimming.

What do you see in the future of TN Multisports?

I see the team growing to where we can offer more workouts for athletes during the week. I would like to see every athlete have an individual coach. I also see us traveling to more events together. I would like to make training and logistics like traveling, funding, ambassador programs and sponsorships easier for athletes.

In the near future, we will have athlete bios and an athlete forum on our website where team members can connect and learn more about one another. Also, we will have GPS courses and common questions listed on our main page for athletes anywhere to utilize for training and racing.

What do you see for yourself in 2009?

I hope to return to Kona this year, and I would like to race one year as a professional.

Let’s do some short answer. Race day breakfast?

If I can get anything in me, I have half of a Clif bar or bagel with peanut butter and jelly, some banana and a few Clif Shot Bloks. For Kona, I ate banana pancakes made for me by my boyfriend.

All-time favorite event?

Seattle Danskin

Bike?

Cervelo P3 2008

Biggest fan(s)?

My mom and my boyfriend

Favorite training route?

Running in Discovery Park. I will cycle anywhere - I just love riding!

One race you desperately want to do?

Kona again!

On your iPod?

Country music, Rihanna, Leona Lewis, Akon, everything